Educational Program
At The Village, the Early Years Learning Framework informs and underpins the educational program and practice in our early learning centre. The Australian Early Years Learning Framework principles and learning outcomes inform educators’ approach to children’s learning, including intentional teaching, decision making and an ongoing cycle of observation.
The educational program and practice developed by educators recognises children’s agency from birth and demonstrates a commitment to listening to and respecting children (the pedagogy of listening).
We have chosen to use the Walker Learning Approach (WLA). The Walker Learning Approach is the first Australian based holistic pedagogy (Preschool to Year 8) and is based upon decades of research about play-based and personalised learning and social constructivism.
It is not a program or an inquiry model sitting discreetly or separately from other curriculum areas. It is a total approach to teaching and learning which combines the need for children to be active participants in their learning (through hands-on and creative exploration and investigation) which sits alongside formal instruction. There is explicit teaching and development of not only literacy and numeracy skills and knowledge, but also the range of vital social, emotional and life skills.
Communication
We endeavour to keep families informed of their child’s progress and daily experiences through verbal feedback from educators, weekly reflections highlighting the Educational Program and informally via the website and social media.
Folios containing art, treasures, photos and milestones of your child’s development will be given at the end of the year.
Each family will receive emailed Term reports on their child’s progress.
Regular communication with families will be mainly through email. This will provide families with centre information, as well as a monthly newsletter.
Our website and Instagram page will have regular snapshots about what is happening at the centre.